Meet Meera Almidfa | Actor & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meera Almidfa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meera, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
There are common misconceptions about the film industry, often dismissing what we see on screen as exaggerated and purely fictional. However, my experience in a reputable film school challenged these notions. In our writing and directing classes, instructors encouraged us to explore our personal traumas and truths, often leading to intense emotional moments reminiscent of therapy sessions. Contrary to popular belief, filmmaking isn’t just about pretending—it’s about tapping into genuine human experiences.

Additionally, many are surprised to learn that the standard workday for union filmmakers spans 13 hours. But its true, that is the standard work day for a child of the silver screen. Also, there’s a misconception that skilled filmmakers should be adept in all aspects of film production. However, this assumption is not only false but also ill-advised. Each role on a film set requires specialized skills and expertise that take years of building and shaping, and it is recommended to focus on at least two or three.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart is my upbringing in a culture that isn’t widely publicized—coming from the UAE, where tribal traditions and close-knit family bonds shape our lives. One of the aspects I’m most proud of is my resilience in navigating the tough and competitive film and entertainment industry. Every project in this field is a new adventure, and I’m excited to explore its boundless possibilities. I take pride in my versatility within the industry. From acting to directing, writing to producing, and even singing, I’ve dabbled in many roles both in theatre and film. This colorful array of experiences revitalizes me, allowing me to explore the myriad layers of life and art.

My journey to where I am today has been guided by the wisdom of mentors, the unwavering support of my family, and the collaborative spirit of my colleagues. It hasn’t been easy, and I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks, but I’ve learned to embrace them as part of my artistic expression and growth.

Through it all, I’ve come to understand that setbacks often pave the way for something better down the road. It’s a lesson that’s been ingrained into the fabric of my life and work—a delicate balance of openness and expression that fuels my creativity.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that we all have unique stories to share, and it’s through these stories that we can connect and foster kindness in our world. My journey is a testament to this belief, that there is no strength greater than kindness, and I’m committed to continuing to share my experiences and insights to make a positive impact in our modern world and the years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Firstly, Los Angeles has a range of activities and attractions that cater to all interests, so it can all be adjusted to suit the person visiting. In the past, i’ve enjoyed taking my friends to Six Flags, Universal Studios and Disney in Anaheim. I would highly recommend a wine tour in Santa Barbara. Outdoor movie screenings at Cinespia, or Eat See Hear, Yoga journeys at WisdomeLA, cute hotspots like The Last Bookstore, and taking hikes at Griffith Park. The Hollywood Bowl has great events when they feature films with Live Orchestras, and there is also the Theatre District where you can watch Musicals. I absolutely loved the Smorgasborg food truck festivals, and going to the Melrose Trading Post – those are amazing on sunny days on the weekend. I also loved attending lectures at the Philosophical Research Society. Lastly, any film networking events or workshops happening in the limitless theaters across town are always a great choice. I still have a lot of LA to explore, but it’s not always about the place, as there are events happening in countless locations.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In the tapestry of my journey, there are luminaries whose influence shines brightly, leaving a lasting mark on my story. Among them are my parents, the architects of my earliest experiences with storytelling. Their unwavering encouragement and nurturing guidance seeded within me a profound appreciation for the power of narratives, igniting a lifelong passion that continues to shape my path. My mother, with her commitment to sharing movies and books throughout our entire childhood, to the point of recording anything she thought we would like, building up an entire wall of DVR tapes that she would tape herself, that still rest in our basement to this day; and then there was my dad, who spent every summer night reciting bedtime stories filled with themes of love and resilience. Their dedication to storytelling infused my foundational years with a sense of wonder and curiosity, laying the groundwork for my trek into the realm of creative expression.

As I navigated the halls of academia, I encountered three titans of inspiration: Anthony Tassa, Jack Swanstrom, and Emily Perkins. Each a maestro in their own right, they bestowed upon me not just knowledge, but a profound understanding of the arts. Anthony, with his boundless enthusiasm for the stage, instilled in me the transformative magic of theatre, teaching me to harness the raw emotion and vulnerability that breathe life into every character. Under Jack’s guidance, the art of cinematic storytelling revealed its intricate tapestry of visual language and narrative craftsmanship. And in Emily, I found not just a mentor, but a muse whose melodic wisdom unlocked the power of voice and song as vessels for profound expression.

To these guiding lights, I offer my sincerest gratitude. Their mentorship and belief in my potential have forever shaped the outlines of my story, imbuing it with depth, color, and resonance beyond measure.

Website: https://www.meeera-almidfa.com

Instagram: @meera_am

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4669158/

Image Credits
Saad Aldin
Fatima AlFulaij
Abdulrahman Almadani
Mohammad A Fikree